But it's not just power that you get for the money, as Vauxhall Astra VXR has a standard equipment list that's pretty comprehensive before you've even looked at the options list. Features such as air conditioning, 18-inch alloys, electric windows, a remote control ultrasonic alarm system, heated electric mirrors, front fog lights and a CD MP3 player are included in the price - an important factor to consider when comparing the VXR to some of its stripped-out rivals.

There are several great value options too, including a leather pack at UKP 1,000, along with innovative features such as Vauxhall's highly praised Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), incorporating bi-Xenon headlights and high-pressure washers.

Stunning 19-inch alloy wheels are just UKP 500, while upgrading the air-con to full electronic climate control adds UKP 250. Cruise control (UKP 200) rear parking sensors (UKP 350) and a CD 70 CD MP3 player incorporating CD-ROM sat nav and seven speakers (UKP 1250) are also available.

If a class-leading sticker price isn't enough, Astra VXR is also one of the less expensive performance cars to run. It falls into insurance group 17E, while many of its rivals are in groups 19 or 20, and its combined fuel economy figure of over 30mpg, rising to almost 40mpg on extra-urban routes, means it's impressively frugal for a car with this level of performance.

Residual values are expected to be steady, too, in line with the rest of the Astra range, which has a retained value after three years of almost 10 per cent higher than the previous generation car.*

Despite the highly-tuned nature of the engine, Astra VXR requires no specialist servicing, unlike some turbocharged performance cars that need a trip to the dealer every 6,000 miles. Instead, it benefits from Vauxhall's 20,000-mile annual health check and 40,000-mile/24 month servicing programme, making it easy for owners to calculate their annual running costs.

Vauxhall's Complete Motoring Plan can also be specified, allowing owners to pay for their routine servicing by direct debit from as little as UKP 15 a month, including breakdown cover and safeguarding VXR drivers from all expenses other than tyres, exhausts and windscreens for the duration of the cover (up to four years from purchase).

An unlimited mileage first year warranty is included in the price, along with a second and third year retailer warranty up to 60,000 miles.

* Source, Glass's Guide.



Vauxhall Astra VXR - Prices and Options

Price: UKP 18,995


Vauxhall Astra VXR option and accessory availability

- Leather Pack (Leather seat facings, heated sports front seats with tilt and lumbar adjustment, Indirect door night lighting, centre rear seat head restraint: UKP 1,000
- Smoker Pack (Cigar lighter and front ashtray) :UKP 50.00
- Electronic Climate Control (ECC) incorporating air-conditioning: UKP 250.00
- Cruise control: UKP 200.00

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